Renewing a Dubai driving licence is a straightforward process, but the requirements, validity period and total cost can vary depending on the driver’s age and whether the licence has already expired.
For motorists planning to renew their licence in 2026, understanding the Dubai driving licence renewal fees 2026, required documents and available online services can help avoid unnecessary delays. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) allows eligible motorists to complete the renewal process through digital channels, including the RTA website and app.
According to the latest RTA and Gulf News information, drivers can renew their Dubai licence before expiry, while expired licences can also be renewed subject to applicable delay fines.
When Can You Renew a Dubai Driving Licence?
The renewal window depends on the driver’s age.
Drivers aged 21 and above can renew their Dubai driving licence up to six months before the expiry date. Drivers below 21 can renew it up to three months before expiry.
The validity of the renewed licence also depends on age and residency status. UAE and GCC citizens aged 21 and above receive a licence valid for 10 years, while UAE residents aged 21 and above receive a five-year licence. Drivers below 21 receive a one-year licence.
An important point for motorists is that the new renewal date is calculated from the date the renewal application is submitted rather than simply extending the previous expiry date.
Dubai Driving Licence Renewal Requirements 2026
Before applying, motorists should make sure they meet the current Dubai licence renewal requirements.
For a standard renewal, the main requirements include:
- A valid Emirates ID
- A valid eye test from an RTA-approved centre
- Payment of any outstanding fines linked to the driving licence
The electronic eye test generally costs between Dh140 and Dh180, depending on the approved centre or service used. Professional drivers may also need to complete a medical fitness test through an RTA-accredited hospital.
Visitors cannot renew an expired Dubai driving licence because a valid Emirates ID is required.
Dubai Driving Licence Renewal Fees 2026
The RTA licence renewal fees depend primarily on the driver’s age and the status of the licence.
For a valid licence or one that has been expired for less than 10 years, the standard licence fee is Dh300 for drivers aged 21 or above, plus a Dh20 Knowledge and Innovation fee.
For drivers below 21, the licence fee is Dh100, with the Dh20 Knowledge and Innovation fee applicable separately.
The electronic eye test is an additional cost, ranging from Dh140 to Dh180 depending on the centre.
Dubai Licence Renewal Cost at a Glance
| Category | Fee |
| Licence renewal, age 21+ | Dh300 |
| Licence renewal, under 21 | Dh100 |
| Knowledge and Innovation fee | Dh20 |
| Electronic eye test | Dh140–Dh180 |
| Standard delivery | Dh20 |
| Same-day delivery | Dh35 |
| Delivery within two hours | Dh50 |
The final amount can therefore be higher than the basic renewal fee when the eye test and physical-card delivery are included.
What If Your Dubai Driving Licence Has Expired?
An expired Dubai driving licence does not automatically mean that the driver has to start the licensing process again.
A licence that has expired can still be renewed, but a renewal delay fine of Dh10 per month applies from the expiry date, subject to a maximum of Dh500. The applicable fine must be paid before the renewal can be completed.
This makes it important for motorists to check their licence expiry date and complete the renewal as early as permitted.
What If the Licence Expired More Than 10 Years Ago?
The process becomes more extensive when a Dubai driving licence has been expired for more than 10 years.
According to RTA, the applicable charges can include:
| Requirement | Fee |
| Training file | Dh200 |
| Learning application | Dh100 |
| Handbook manual | Dh50 |
| Evaluation Test | Dh200 |
| Electronic eye test | Dh140–Dh180 |
| Renewal delay fine | Up to Dh500 |
| Licence | Dh300 |
| Knowledge and Innovation | Dh20 |
An Evaluation Test is required when the licence has been expired for more than 10 years. If the driver has more than one category, passing the light-vehicle evaluation test allows the categories to be included without taking every test separately.
How to Renew Driving Licence Online in Dubai
One of the easiest ways to completely renew a driving licence online in Dubai services is through the RTA’s digital platforms.
Step 1: Complete the Eye Test
Visit an RTA-approved eye-test centre and complete the required test.
The result is sent electronically to RTA, so motorists generally do not need to submit a physical eye-test certificate. RTA states that the eye-test result is valid for three years.
Step 2: Check Your Emirates ID
Make sure your Emirates ID is valid before beginning the application. A valid Emirates ID is required for the standard renewal process.
Step 3: Log in to the RTA Platform
Motorists can use the RTA website or RTA Dubai app. Other available channels include DubaiNow, RTA self-service machines and approved optical stores.
On the RTA website, users can log in using their Emirates ID, passport or UAE Pass, receive an OTP and select the Drivers Licensing Services option.
Step 4: Select Driving Licence Renewal
Choose the option to renew the driving licence and confirm the licence details displayed by the system.
The RTA Dubai app also provides a renewal option. Drivers can scan the QR code on their licence or enter the required licence details.
Step 5: Pay Fines and Renewal Fees
Before the renewal is completed, any outstanding fines linked to the licence must be settled.
The system then displays the applicable renewal charges, after which the driver can complete the payment.
Step 6: Receive Your Renewed Licence
Once the application is completed, the renewed licence can be issued instantly.
The digital licence is available through the RTA Dubai app and can also be added to Apple or Samsung Wallet.
Drivers who need a physical card can choose delivery or print it using an RTA self-service machine.
Where Can You Renew Your Dubai Driving Licence?
The RTA provides several channels for licence renewal, giving motorists flexibility based on their preference.
These include the RTA website, RTA Dubai app, DubaiNow, RTA self-service machines and approved optical stores.
RTA self-service machines are available at selected Customer Happiness Centres and Tasjeel Centres across Dubai. The machines can also print the renewed physical licence immediately.
Dubai Driving Licence Renewal: Delivery Charges
Motorists choosing a physical licence delivered to their preferred address can select from different delivery options.
Standard delivery costs Dh20, while same-day delivery costs Dh35. A delivery option within two hours costs Dh50.
The digital licence, however, is available through the RTA Dubai app, giving motorists access to their renewed licence without waiting for a physical card.
Dubai Driving Licence Renewal 2026
| Requirement | Details |
| Renewal window, age 21+ | Up to 6 months before expiry |
| Renewal window, under 21 | Up to 3 months before expiry |
| Resident validity, 21+ | 5 years |
| UAE/GCC citizen validity, 21+ | 10 years |
| Under-21 validity | 1 year |
| Standard fee, 21+ | Dh300 |
| Standard fee, under 21 | Dh100 |
| Knowledge and Innovation fee | Dh20 |
| Eye test | Dh140–Dh180 |
| Late renewal fine | Dh10 per month, up to Dh500 |
| Online renewal | RTA website/app and other approved channels |
What Happens If You Delay Renewal?
Drivers who allow their licence to expire can still renew it, provided they meet the requirements and pay any applicable delay fines.
However, waiting longer can increase the accumulated delay fine up to the applicable maximum. Drivers should therefore check their licence status and expiry date rather than waiting until they need the licence urgently.
For licences expired for more than 10 years, additional testing and training-related requirements apply, making the process considerably different from a standard renewal.
Important Things to Check Before Renewal
Before starting your driving licence renewal in the UAE application, make sure your Emirates ID is valid, your eye test has been completed through an approved centre and any outstanding fines have been settled.
It is also useful to decide whether you need only the digital licence or a physical card. Choosing a physical delivery option will add the relevant delivery charge to the renewal cost.
Motorists should also check their licence expiry date early because the permitted renewal window allows eligible drivers to complete the process before the licence expires.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the Dubai driving licence renewal fees 2026 can make the renewal process easier and help motorists budget for the total cost.
For drivers aged 21 and above, the standard renewal fee is Dh300, while drivers below 21 pay Dh100. A Dh20 Knowledge and Innovation fee and the applicable eye-test cost are additional. Drivers with expired licences may also have to pay a delay fine of Dh10 per month, up to Dh500.
The RTA provides several digital and physical renewal channels, including its website, app, DubaiNow and self-service machines. With a valid Emirates ID, approved eye test and settled fines, eligible motorists can complete much of the process online.
As RTA fees and service requirements can change, motorists should check the latest official information before making payment.
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FAQs
How much does it cost to renew a Dubai driving licence in 2026?
For drivers aged 21 and above, the standard renewal fee is Dh300, plus the Dh20 Knowledge and Innovation fee. An eye test costing around Dh140–Dh180 is also applicable.
Can I renew my Dubai driving licence online?
Yes. Eligible motorists can renew through the RTA website and RTA Dubai app, as well as other approved digital channels such as DubaiNow.
How early can I renew my Dubai driving licence?
Drivers aged 21 and above can renew up to six months before expiry, while drivers below 21 can renew up to three months before expiry.
What happens if my Dubai driving licence has expired?
You can still renew an expired licence. A delay fine of Dh10 per month applies from the expiry date, up to a maximum of Dh500.
Do I need an eye test to renew my Dubai driving licence?
Yes. A valid electronic eye test from an RTA-approved centre is required for the standard renewal process. The listed cost is between Dh140 and Dh180, depending on the centre or service.
